Switching your cat to a raw diet can be one of the best decisions for their health and longevity, but it’s also a process that can require patience and careful planning. Cats are notoriously picky eaters and often need time to adjust to changes in their food. Using toppers and canned cat food as transitional tools can make this shift smoother and more enjoyable for your feline friend. Here’s a step-by-step guide to gradually introduce your cat to a raw diet and hopefully creating a seamless switch without the fuss.
Why Consider a Raw Diet for Your Cat?
A raw diet aligns closely with what cats would naturally consume in the wild, offering a balanced mix of animal proteins, essential amino acids, and minimal carbohydrates. Benefits of raw feeding can include:
- Improved coat and skin health
- Better dental health
- Increased energy levels
- Reduced stool odor and volume (BEST BENEFIT FOR THE HUMANS!)
- Support for lean muscle mass
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on animal-based diets and need a higher level of protein, healthy fats, and fewer carbs than many commercial dry foods offer. A raw diet can be tailored to meet these nutritional requirements in a natural, minimally processed form.
Option 1: Introduce the Raw Food
You might be one of the lucky ones whose cat loves the raw food right off the bat! If you’re not, keep reading.
Option 2: Introduce the Raw Food with a Topper
Transitioning a cat directly to raw food can be tricky due to their sensitive palates and aversion to unfamiliar textures. Toppers provide a bridge by introducing raw flavors in a non-intimidating way.
Types of Toppers to Consider:
- If you have been feeding kibble the easiest way to start would be to grind up the kibble and sprinkle it on top.
-Most cats love tuna juice so try pouring some over the raw food and see if that encourages them enough.
- Freeze-dried raw toppers: These retain the taste and nutritional benefits of raw food while offering a texture more familiar to cats used to kibble.
- Gently cooked toppers: Lightly cooked toppers are closer to raw in nutrients but less challenging for cats new to the texture.
- Dehydrated meat treats: Pure, single-ingredient treats (like freeze-dried chicken or salmon) can also be a tasty way to ease your cat into raw flavors.
How to Use Toppers:
1. Sprinkle a small amount of the topper on your cat's raw food.
2. Mix it into their food and sprinkle on top.
3. Use less each time until your cat doesn’t need a topper to be encouraged to eat his food.
Option 3: Mix in Canned Cat Food for a Smoother Texture Transition
Most cats find canned cat food much easier to accept than raw right off the bat. It has a texture closer to raw food than kibble, and the added moisture can be beneficial, especially if your cat doesn’t drink much water.
How to Use Canned Food in the Transition:
1. If your cat is really opposed to the raw diet mix in 90% canned and 10% raw.
2. As your cat becomes more comfortable, gradually reduce the amount of canned food and increase the portion of raw food until canned food is no longer necessary.
3. This may work really well one day and then the next they decide they are not going to eat any of it. At this time, you’ll add more canned that day and reassess. This could take a few days or a few months.
Helpful Tips for Success:
- Stick to a schedule: Consistency is key in building trust with new food. Feed your cat at the same times daily. Twice a day is recommended.
- Microwave it: If your cat resists the cold texture of raw food, try microwaving it on 50% power for a bit to take the chill off.
- Stay patient: Some cats transition quickly, while others may need weeks or even months to adjust fully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raw Diet Transitions
What if my cat refuses raw food entirely?
Patience is essential. Keep offering small amounts and try different proteins or forms (like freeze-dried raw). Mixing it with familiar canned food can also help. You really shouldn't let cats go longer than 24 hours without food. While the "you'll eat it when you get hungry enough" works for dogs, it's not recommended for cats. They are a stubborn bunch!
Can I use kibble during the transition?
Ideally, it’s best to avoid kibble as it doesn’t closely resemble the moisture and texture of raw food. Stick with canned food as a better intermediary step. You can use some as a topper if it’s ground up.
Is it okay to mix raw and canned food in the same meal?
Definitely. Mixing raw and canned food can help your cat get used to the texture of raw food gradually.
What signs should I look for to know if raw food suits my cat?
Healthy indicators include a shiny coat, clean teeth, improved energy levels, and a reduction in stool odor. If any digestive issues occur, consult a vet.
Should I transition my cat from kitten mix to a different food once it is older?
No, kitten mix is perfect for adult cats also. For BRB products "kitten" and "puppy" simply mean it has been run through the grinder more than once to get a finer product that is easier for smaller mouths to eat.
Final Thoughts
Switching your cat to a raw diet is a journey, and each cat will adjust at their own pace. By using toppers and canned food as transitional tools, you’re creating a gradual, stress-free path that respects your cat’s natural eating preferences. With patience and persistence, you’ll soon have a thriving, healthier cat enjoying the natural benefits of a raw diet!
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